A Sad and Beautiful World is the first full film by Lebanese director Cyril Aris. It focuses on Nino and Yasmina, who are born minutes apart in a Beirut hospital. Their lives unfold amid regional violence. The hospital birth scene is struck by bombs, echoing recent attacks in Gaza. Their childhood is disrupted by conflicts from Israel. Years later, they meet again during a local family dispute. Though time spent in war scenes is brief, these moments underline the dangers around them. Most of the movie captures their deepening love and shared life. Nino runs a family restaurant, which acts almost like a character in its own right, while Yasmina works as a corporate consultant aiming to move to safer places. The couple’s contrasting personalities bring a vibrant energy to the film. Hasan Akil and Mounia Akl play the leads with natural ease. Akl is known for directing Costa Brava, Lebanon, an ecological drama shown at last year’s International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). The movie also features memorable characters like Nino’s stubborn chef who refuses customer changes. Childhood flashbacks add charm, with young actors praised for their performances. The film blends sadness and laughter, making it a crowd favorite at IFFK. Lebanon has selected A Sad and Beautiful World as its official entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards.